HC disposes of PIL over public toilets

Panaji: The Bombay high court disposed of a PIL seeking proper maintenance and cleanliness of public toilets on Goa’s beaches and in other areas. This decision came after the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) informed the court that it has taken over the toilets from the private agency and will maintain them well.The PIL was filed by the NGO, Green Goa Foundation, highlighting the gross negligence of the agency and govt in maintaining and operating existing public toilets, despite govt spending a considerable amount on their construction.At the previous hearing, advocate general Devidas Pangam said directions were issued to repair, clean, and maintain the existing public toilets that were tendered, and pursuant to which a contractor was appointed for their upkeep. The GTDC assured the HC that it would ensure the toilets are repaired and maintained. The private agency told the HC that the GTDC had forcibly taken possession of the public toilets that were tendered to it, and that the contract between the two is under arbitration.The HC said it was not pronouncing upon the contractual relationship, and left it open to be adjudicated before the relevant forum.